When I was first told I had to hold a Civic Service, my first question was what’s it for? Well, I got a variety of answers. Some were about the religious links; some were about celebrating the town and its people. So I do what we all do now, I googled it. I got a lot of varying information there as well, it mentioned volunteering, community, celebrating. So what I decided from all that was: It’s more or less what I want it to be.
The idea of a Civic Service and Reception to me is twofold. Firstly, it celebrates the link with the Town Council and the Parish Church and that it why we have all been to join in that wonderful service up at the Holy Trinity church.
Secondly, it allows me to bring together some of our wonderful community groups, many of which are represented here today. It allows me to invite other local Mayors to join us. It gives the Town Council the opportunity to showcase Ilfracombe and its community in a positive light. I also figured it was about family, which is why I have my mother, two of my daughters and six of my 10 grandchildren here today. Not to mention my good lady wife.
As Mayor, I get to choose the venue for this and decide what to showcase. So, I thought about it and decided to go with what I enjoy about this lovely town. I have only lived here for 24 years but what has captivated me from day 1 was the harbour and the sea.
I remember when I first arrived here in Ilfracombe, I was walking around the harbour with my wife one sunny evening and I could hear Spanish guitar music coming from these very windows. ‘Let’s go in here’ I said. ‘You can’t’ replied my wife, ‘it’s a members only Yacht Club’. Needless to say I ignored her and marched up the stairs, whereupon I was met by Val Challacombe who welcomed us with open arms (and I mean literally). Never before had I ever met such a friendly bunch of people in all my life and we had a great evening. I soon learned that this Club was built, staffed and run all by volunteers and it certainly didn’t have that aloof vibe that you can get in some Yacht Clubs. So I joined. Before you know it, I am on the committee and next thing I knew, I was Commodore. You will see my name on the board at the back there for three years running.
So when I thought about what physical things made a positive impact on me in Ilfracombe and I wanted to showcase, it had to be the sea, the harbour and this wonderful little club. You get to see all three today from the front windows, the rear patio and not forgetting the bar. And the sun is shining!
